Ronnie’s Story

When our Caseworker first met 22-year-old Ronnie (name changed to protect his confidentiality), he had just been released from prison after being acquitted on a serious charge of which he was innocent.

Although the weight of the trial was now off his shoulders, Ronnie was at serious risk of violent reprisals and threats. He was placed in emergency accommodation by the local authority and was under monitoring and probation for his safety.

The Caseworker soon discovered that Ronnie was making frequent presentations at A&E. He had been wearing the same clothes for weeks which signaled distress and disorientation. The Caseworker arranged for Ronnie to have clean clothes and a shower – an important step in helping Ronnie preserve his dignity and build trust.

Shortly after, Ronnie was detained under the Mental Health Act. Alongside other agencies, St Giles had weekly meetings to co-ordinate housing, mental health care, benefits and risk management.

As trust and confidence grew between Ronnie and his St Giles Caseworker, Ronnie engaged with appointments with his GP and mental health providers, improving his emotional state.  He was struggling financially, so we liaised with the authorities and arranged for him to have his benefits paid weekly, which meant he found it easier to manage his finances.

However, there were some setbacks. Ronnie continued to be targeted by old associates, and he confided to us that they were using death threats to coerce him back into criminal activity.  We explained to Ronnie that the need to safeguard him was of top priority and that the police would now need to be involved. It then transpired the police were already looking for him in relation to a prior incident, but Ronnie welcomed the intervention and resulting arrest as it provided temporary safety.

We supported Ronnie throughout his court appearance. Given that he had already served a year in prison for a crime of which he was innocent, and the fact he was engaging well with professionals, the judge gave him a conditional discharge.

From securing necessities and mental health care to ensuring safe accommodation, advocating in court, and building trusting relationships, our work with Ronnie has helped stabilise his life. While his journey is ongoing, he is now more self-aware, better supported, and actively taking steps away from the cycles of violence and crisis that once dominated his life.